a life well lived

 

Yes, Tom lived a long and full life.  If you knew him, you will have your own story to tell.  Our first memory was about 30 years ago when he taught our son Damon to fly fish, also how to make your own flies.  

He was  very music minded.  We have several copies of the first edition of favorite hymns

While we often saw him at various conferences, he spent most of life sharing his love for the Lord in small towns.  And he could be found rock hunting, prospecting and helping in his community, in Baker City.  He was a real outdoorsman.  

The gathering in Richland for his memorial was well attended and lots of stories were told.

And there is much more to his story, all additions and comments are welcome

to view the Memorial go to:   Richland Baptist Church
                                                     Watch Online
                                               Scroll to: Tom Clement  

Thankful to call him our friend,

I live an  exciting life

Remembering a friend

 

While her sweet picture was on the screen for most of the memorial, there was so much sharing, amazing things about Nancy that it is hard to believe that one person accomplished so much

All gave glory to God 

"We Rest On Thee" was the first song.  It was Al and Nancy's wedding song and had a special story too.

We missed Andrew, their younger son, but he appeared on the screen to give Nancy's biography

The family had put together a great collection of photos, showing some of her involvement with many groups.

Homily ( sermon to uplift ) " Nancy's Home"
Very sweet message and gospel message. Mark clearly knew Nancy very well, and delivered his thoughts with love

Maybe this is when we all sang together
     " Precious Lord Take my Hand" 

Scriptures shared, Psalm 90 and 139

Four of the 7 grandchildren stood together and shared their love for their Grandma, Nana, with tears and much love

Al's brother John also shared 

Friends of Nancy shared next and it was amazing how much she had been involved with, started, maintained, finished,  never to leave out the friendships that developed.   She was deliberate in her connections.

Qualities/habits   mentioned often,, hospitality, greeting cards, love for the Lord
Phrases she shared:  There are no ordinary people
  We are all made in the image of God
   People need to know they have value 
(in my heart, from a wedding shower years ago Nancy shared ) Validate his feelings first,  then you can share yours.   I have written this many times and tried to live it out.

A reception followed  and I got a huge hug from this girl...and also her close friend Nancy 

My own story began in about 1965, while I was living in Oak Park for a brief time.  Our acquaintance became a friendship when Al and Nancy moved to Bellevue.   Al was a groomsman in our wedding and we attended the weddings of their three children.
Nancy entertained us many times as a young couple and later we joined other ladies in luncheons, Bible study and prayer.  
While our lives have changed, out times together changed. More recently Nancy and I have had coffee or lunch together, sharing  "life", the hard and happy times, always feeling safe. She was a positive and affirming influence to me.  She easily added scripture to our conversations.    

Many good memories    Many gifts  shared    My favorite greeting card came just about a month ago.  A treasure for sure 

Makes me smile  each time I see it
Right in front of me, on my desk
Not sure which one is me
Both are having fun

An example to follow 

I live an exciting life 

.

When you have to say goodbye

Such a smile

Such a lady 

Marti 

 

She was a wife

  a mother of four

    a grandmother to seven 
      a great grandma to eleven 

        a friend to countless 

          a friend to me     

The friendship goes way  back  for my hubby.  He grew up in Spokane and Marti loved to remind him about some naughty things he would  instigate, but always with a smile. She had a great sense of humor

For many years we would visit Spokane and were always greeted affectionately by Bob and Marti.  They were such a big part of the gathering there on  Pacific Avenue . Hospitable and supportive to so many.  

When you travel with kids you don't have the opportunity to have one on one visits, but my memory will  always be with her hair so perfectly in place and always with a smile.  She also gave warm hugs. 

My last visit, (and one on one ) was a little over a year ago on her 94th birthday.  Her furnace was not working, but her fireplace was cozy. We were by ourselves, but the phone was busy with calls and a package or two came to the door.  I am so thankful for that sweet hour together.  

I believe she genuinely cared about our family and every family that entered her door, everyone that entered her life. 

I live an exciting life 

     

Celebration of Life

 

a Life well lived....

This is a great picture of a great young man...lifted up to heaven too soon.

We still live across the street from the home where Tyler was born and grew up.  Our family knew him pretty well.  In fact, there were times when it felt like Tyler lived at our house, he knew he was always welcome.  

There is a part of his story that is hard.  

His memorial was last Saturday and was beautiful.

The weather was beautiful, the sky was clear and the sun  was glorious
 location was ideal, lots of patio and many open doors
 for standing room only
 as many friends and family gathered to Celebrate Tyler's life

Jan, his Mom, was the first to take the stage. ( she is an actress, but her message was "for real" )
  She shared from her heart, some of the hard things that Tyler endured. Early in his life he developed a brain tumor. He lost his hair. He did not look like the other kids. His vision was severely  impaired.   Kids can be cruel.  And they were. Actions that we never want to hear, but, they took place and were good for us to remember
   Jan also told us about his accomplishments...some that even those of us with full vision have not done, but he was ready to try just about anything.  He excelled in many things

Jan read a wonderful message from Pastor Katy, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church.  The church, especially the women ( that was repeated, so it must be true) loved and welcomed Tyler. They welcomed him into their church and into their hearts. Since it was just across the street from his next address, I can only imagine how many times he entered their doors.   

I say that because during those years that Tyler lived across the street, he was in our home and in our life, like family. 
Tyler's family was strong Catholic and our family was strong Protestant. One day Tyler and I had a conversation... We agreed, we believe in the same God, the same Jesus and that He is the way of salvation.  So I know that I will see him again.

But...until then,  we have memories.

Yes, Tyler was like part of our family.  He seemed to know when a party was going on, and he was there.  He knew his way to the front door and the back, he might even come in without knocking...he knew he was always welcome.

A memory from Mimi, in his class    " I remember that school year ( 5th grade I think?) being keenly aware that he might not make it through the year.  And he did.  And every year following just felt like a gift.  A constant reminder of life, it's frailty and the existence of miracles, walking among us "

Tyler was a fighter. Many hard times were ahead, but he stayed positive. He was a hard worker and kept up quite a pace even when life got more difficult. 
 He stayed happy and content with life.

There is still a little bag by our front door where I slip key chains to add to his collection
He had over 4,000 !  

But more than key chains, Tyler collected friends.  There is a verse in the Bible that says Jesus was no respecter of persons...that was Tyler.  He did not care about your background, your status, your age, he cared about You !.                                                                                                                                         

After he moved away, his connecting was on the phone. Along with remembering  every birthday and some anniversaries, he kept us up to date on his family.

He loved his family.  He was proud of his family and eager to share what was happening in their lives.  
He would also let us know about the neighbor or friend he ran into at a husky game, or just out and about.

His hearing was amazing.  He could pick up a familiar voice anywhere.  
His memory was amazing.
His laughter was amazing.  That little ( and sometimes not so little ) chuckle,  so Tyler, so connected to who he was
Tyler had a style all his own.

Just a few more reflections from our family.
Steel trap memory.
His hearing was shocking. It was impeccable for sure
He was never at a loss for conversation
His laugh was uninhibited, in fact he seemed to have lived uninhibited
He just lived.
He was comfortable in our home, he would just walk in like he lived here 
He was part of the family, always

Next up was Scott. He lived right around the block and was also in Tyler's grade.  In the past few years they spent valuable time together.  Scott would pick him up and they would enjoy a meal or snack together and then... Tyler loved telling jokes.  Sometimes the same as before, but still bringing laughs.
He also shared the memory of hard things that Tyler had to overcome.   They stayed friends till the end.

A coworker from the Lighthouse  for the blind. Dana had also heard Tyler's jokes. They had worked side by side for quite a while

Mazzy Eckel, Tyler's niece, loved her Uncle. She had visited him on his very last day. She had skipped school to be with him.  

We closed with the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi

It was a sweet time of sharing

Each of us were privileged  to take home one of Tyler's key chains

I took two... The Seahawk..we are fans
and the simple blue band. 
 It reminds me that simple things can bring pleasure
                for Tyler and for us all

  we were not ready to say goodbye to Tyler

When saying goodbye

is more like saying... I want to come along with you

Today, I attended the memorial for a Little one, she was 19.  On my way I got to thinking, I am going because her grandma calls me her best friend, and because I wanted to. I know the family, and love them.

Fourteen years ago, in May, it was my mother’s memorial I attended. A friend told me that she did not come because she had never met my mother.  For me, that was a new, different reason.

Now I am thinking, I do not know Little One very well at all.

Outside the church were pink and white balloons. I knew that Little One loved pink and sparkle. I did not have pink, but I was wearing sparkle. Shoes, earrings, scarf and sweater.  ( I also reminded myself that no one would be looking at me, and I probably would have my coat on the whole time… I did )

At the door we were given very sweet programs and …. Hand sanitizer.  It is March 2020 and I am sure this will be a never to be forgotten time.   

The church is light and pretty and already full of guests. 
I find a seat.  

The time had come.  It was quiet.   Music begins and we are asked to join in singing “Amazing Grace”. There are several more hymns that are played on the grand piano. “I’ll Fly Away”, some I  did not recognize, but the strong voice of the man at the ivories was dynamic…. and then the sharing begins.

First the siblings then open mic, then the parents. 

Little Ones mother is dressed in a gorgeous pink dress.  She had felt like she was coming to a wedding. Her little girl was the bride. ( Funny, I had been looking for sparkle in my closet and thought to myself, this is not a wedding…but… it is a celebration and those two events are gatherings with friends and I decided to dress for Little One.  ) 

Because of her challenges, the caregivers from day one until day 7117, were all  gathered here . Family and friends, and neighbors that had known, really known Little One, are like an inner circle to the family. Like a hedge of love surrounding them.

Listening to all the sharing, I had to admit, I did not know Little One.  I had seen her a few times. I knew that she was very challenged.  Here are some things I learned.

Though she could not talk or walk on her own, she was a good communicator.  She loved her brother. Maybe she favored him.  She loved football and watching it with her Dad. Several said she was generous, loving, fun, had a great laugh. She could let you know if she wanted to do something, or NOT.But, more than anything, she loved Jesus. All part of the sharing. Almost everyone confirmed the same loving description of Little One.  In fact, by the time her Daddy got to the mic, he said just that…everything that I would say, has been said….but he did speak about his Little girl with great love.

  Her iPad  was equipped with  prompts that Little One could let her thoughts and wishes known, audibly.    After many friends shared how Little One had blessed them with the love of Jesus, her favorite caregiver used her  iPad to give the message that Little One would have given.

 She began with a question.. Do you know where  you will go when you die… and the answers began with verse after verse from the Bible .  She gave the plan of salvation.  There  is a date that she herself asked Jesus into her heart.  She was a witness for Jesus. And yes, she knew Bible verses.

In the closing prayer :  this is indeed worthy of celebration, but only Jesus is worthy of Glory.

Guests were invited to a very lovely catered luncheon and espresso bar, as well as a candy center. There were a couple tables for writing notes, and painting rocks to be placed in the family garden.  There was a basket of tiaras and we were encouraged to take one and wear it.

I did not feel hungry and I did not have my hubby or a friend by my side, so I did not go through the food line.  I wanted to go hug my own grandchildren.  I wanted to absorb/ process the big picture of a life of purpose and love

Often I leave a memorial thinking I wish I had known that person better. Today I am thinking that this is an amazing person, and she has blessed many, many people. But I am also thinking, I have many friends who are amazing. I want to spend a little more time learning about them.  I am starting with the two men that are staying with us.    

That is one take away for me

Another.. if a young lady without a voice can share the good news of Jesus’ plan of Salvation, may the Lord open my voice more and more.

We were encouraged to speak to those in our path that appear challenged, with special needs..  Smile and tell them something .. your hair is so pretty,  I love your shoes, I would love a shirt like that
you get the idea !   Me too.

Oh !   and Listen.   Not just hearing, like the music in the background, but listening to one another while they are with us

The tiaras …  not child's party favor,  no these are pretty, silver, and they sparkle a lot.

I took mine  home, and I am wearing it now. I feel like Little One has brought about some sparkle in me,

“Let your light so shine,before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”

Singing, Sparkle, Sweetness, Salvation 

Going home

                                                       In Tribute to Oscar Froese  

A gathering of friends and family
tables were set .. standing room only

Honoring a man who had been making people smile  for almost 100 years


The Froese family 
A history of the Gustaf Froese family was shared
Oscar was about number 5 of 7 boys and then little sister Marti

 We had known Oscar for many years... there were some  things we knew about him and some things were new...

He played tennis until he was in his 90's
He was a fun and friendly man who loved The Lord
He was known and loved by many
He was a few months short of 70 years of married to his love Ida Marie
In his town he was known as the calendar man.
He passed out Christian calendars by the 100's
In the week before he went home, he checked with his friend Gordon
" Did you get calendars to Dr... and Dr.... and .."
Yes, Gordon had been there.

Much  was shared about this mighty man. Not a tall man, but a strong and friendly, outgoing man.

Many grandchildren from the Gustaf family were in attendance, though there are many, many more. 

The program

My great "take away"...  He shared his love for The Lord with calendars.
How am I sharing my love for The Lord?

   

Dan Brimlow took many photos, but here are a couple he might have missed

Blessed to call him our friend.

things happen

Marti, I am thinking of  you since you and me are probably close to the only ladies who still wear a slip.

Here is what happened.....

We had been to a memorial,  a very special time, and when we got home I  walked in the door and passed a mirror, a full length mirror

 WHAT ?!    Yes, my slip was showing.  Not just a little. But at least a full inch around the bottom of my dress .   It was a new dress and I spotted a glimpse of lace as we walked out the door.  However, I had no idea that as the evening progressed, so did the lace.

I did the only thing I could think of.  I wrote a little note to the three ladies I know very well, who were also at the memorial

Here is what I said:

OK, Miss K, Miss M and Miss N, 

Who saw my slip showing about an inch, all around the hem of my dress, last night?

Why wasn't there a mirror in the ladies room?

How could Darrell let me out of the house with my slip showing?

Will I ever wear that dress again?

These are questions that trouble me.

But, I am pretty sure I will be able to sleep tonight and 

I will see you in my dreams,  and at Bible Study tomorrow  

After my bubble bath, I checked for reply's

Tue, May 7, 9:22 PM (1 day ago)

I just thought it was suppose to be that way.  Who knew, 
(later  she told me that the tears were running down her cheeks...the things we do to make people happy )

Well, Kathy, let me just say I did not notice your slip showing—sadly, I don’t even remember what your dress looked like—just your pretty coat!  If it was all around your dress, maybe Darrell thought it was part of your dress!  Caitlin & I just had a conversation on Sunday about the things you can buy from Grace & Lace to extend the length of your dress or top.  I’m sure Darrell was thinking that’s what you had on 

I  hope you sleep well tonight!    See you tomorrow!

Love to you!

9:54 PM (43 minutes ago)

Dearest Kathy,

I just checked my emails and saw this.  It so made me smile.  I did see your slip and I so thought it was supposed to show.  It matched your dress which was also beautiful as well as classy!  I was going to ask you where you got that slip which was a perfect length to show the perfect amount🥰️ I think you have started a new fad?!  Ted did want me to tell you he was “shocked”!!  I know he never noticed

Love you and always will.....even if your slip shows!

Well, I have learned a lesson

and, I will sleep well tonight.

I live an exciting life  

On Saturday morning

It started last month

 Ralph ( Mr. Heiner ) came around  the neighborhood to tell of the passing of his wife  and to extend an invitation to a memorial to her, on Saturday, October 7.

So, Saturday I  was walking up the path to the Heiner home.  There was a young man at the end of the walkway   as I approached. 

 “ Hello, I am Adam Heiner”.
“ I am Kathy Tanner”. 

“Of course you  are” he said and instantly hugged me.   “ As you were coming up the walkway, I thought,  I should know her”     He   knew that he was in the same year as Mimi. And we talked about ice cream etc.  

   As I entered their home I introduced myself and soon Anne Heiner was hugging me and saying how much she appreciated me coming to the memorial for her mother.

Kathy Heiner had been a piano teacher to our children, and to many, many others. She also spent many hours making their garden a masterpiece in our  neighborhood.   Kathy was seen walking,and walking  rain or shine, and pausing for a smile and hello.  

Guests were encouraged to tour the home.  Family members shared how Kathy had spent time in antique stores buying old pieces and then restoring them and making a home of beauty and lots of memories  

Their room

His room
Ralph is an artist and it is his sketch of Kathy that appears on the Memory page

But the places that most reflect Kathy,  reflect Music

This is the studio, baby grand 

 the studio where many students were taught classical piano

This is her Grand piano 

A beautiful buffet was served  

Then the  program began..

Duet  recital video

next the family shared

Ralph, on the left, his brother on the right

Anne, Kurt and Wyatt Vold  

Adam, Elissa, Drew  and Matt Heiner

Ralph and Kathy met at Sammamish High school.  Seemed like love at first glance, for Ralph.  At age 20 they married and lived down the street from us, in  Cherry Crest,  for about 40 years.  She loved working in the garden and their front yard was always  a work of art.   Through the years she added touches to the interior.  The garage became her piano studio
Anne was the first born and she is now an attorney in Seattle. She and her husband have one son . They own City Market in Seattle.
Adam the second born,  lives in West Seattle with his wife and two sons. He is a speech therapist. Did someone say IronMan?
Both children praised their mother for her devotion to family.  They were a fairly private family, but both children remembered the freedom to play in our neighborhood.

A few stories were shared and there was one that showed the spunk and determination of Kathy.
A family member was getting married and Kathy had outfits head to toe for the children.  Adam was about two years old and had his first tie.  He practiced wearing it and was very proud and excited for this event.  The location was not far, but the traffic was bad and they arrived late.  Grandpa was at the church waiting at the top of the stairs.  The family jumped out of the car and out of nowhere came a huge friendly dog.  He jumped on little Adam and snagged that tie (clip on ) right off his shirt and bolted.  Well, Kathy bolted too. Back and forth in the front of the church. Grandpa was finding it pretty hilarious, and Kathy did not give up.  She retrieved the tie, put it on Adam and into the wedding they marched.       

 ( Kathy’s sister was the bride and she shared the story with great delight  )

Anne and Adam agreed to a family photo to share with my family - they grew up together, went to Cherry Crest together and yes, ate ice cream together.

The celebration to Kathy was very special.   A beautiful tribute to an amazing lady.